Fine wines for collectors & discerning drinkers BURGUNDY 2016 8 Royal Opera Arcade, London SW1Y 4UY +44 (0) 207 839 5652 www.assetwines.com
Burgundy 2016 En Primeur The Vintage The start of the growing season highlighted how many micro climates there are in this wonderful part of the world. A vicious frost hit and many vineyards within Marsannay, Fixin, Chambolle- Musigny, Vougeot, Flagey-Echézeaux and Nuits-St.-Georges were hit hard. Chambolle was almost destroyed and wines from this commune are very difficult to find this year. Other areas such as Morey-St.-Denis were largely unaffected. All this led everyone to believe it would be a catastrophic year, and indeed for some it was. Overall the region produced 40% less wine than average, and some producers lost almost everything. For example Domaine Jayer-Gilles lost 90% of their production, and we will only be offering assortment cases later in the year. The good news is that the quality of the wines that were produced is excellent. The wines are well balanced and elegant across villages, premier and grand crus, and have a very classical Burgundian feel. Ca Pinote as they say! The Market The challenge for collectors in a year such as this is more about availability than quality. Low yields mean only a few cases being offered from certain vineyards. Collectors will have to look across more producers making great wines to fill their cellars. The demand for wines from Burgundy continues to grow, and Asia is starting to consume more and more of it. Many producers are reducing UK allocations in order to send some to the Far East. Asians don t seem to have issue with paying high prices either, so the top wines are becoming almost impossible to get. The top wines are incredible wines, and if you can find them then you should be stocking up. However if you are buying to drink, we recommend you do not chase the famous names which have now become worldwide brands. These are selling for very high prices and do not necessarily deliver more pleasure than the less lauded names. Be adventurous and try some of the names that are not yet well known but still make very good wines. The whites are also very good this year, with good tension and good length. Less fat than the 2015 s, they have delighted us in our tastings. If you are into Burgundy, then we recommend you stock your cellar with as much 2016 s as you can find and afford. These are gorgeous wines which will last. We have tasted some 2017s in barrel and they are plentiful, although some won t offer the same intensity as 2016. +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 2
Wine Vintage Case size Bottle size IB Case Offer Price Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays 2016 6 75cl 1,050.00 Clos des Lambrays 2016 6 150cl 2,195.00 Domaine Jean Grivot Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru "Aux Boudots" 2016 6 75cl 700.00 Domaine Tortochot Morey-St-Denis 2016 12 75cl 280.00 Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Jeunes Rois" 2016 12 75cl 300.00 Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Corvées" 2016 12 75cl 340.00 Gevrey-Chambertin "Champerrier" Vieilles Vignes 2016 12 75cl 375.00 Gevrey 1er Cru "Lavaux St Jacques" 2016 6 75cl 270.00 Gevrey 1er Cru "Les Champeaux" 2016 6 75cl 265.00 Morey 1er Cru "Aux Charmes" 2016 6 75cl 280.00 Morey 1er Cru "Renaissance" 2016 6 75cl 235.00 Charmes-Chambertin 2016 6 75cl 485.00 Mazis-Chambertin 2016 6 75cl 590.00 Clos de Vougeot 2016 6 75cl 640.00 Domaine Comte Armand Bourgogne Aligote 2016 6 75cl 85.00 Auxey-Duresses Rouge 2016 6 75cl 125.00 Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru rouge 2016 6 75cl 170.00 Volnay 1er Cru "Les Fremiets" 2016 6 75cl 335.00 Pommard 1er Cru "Clos Epeneaux" 2016 6 75cl 535.00 Domaine Faiveley Mercurey "La Framboisière" 2016 12 75cl 198.00 Mercurey 1er Cru "Clos du Roy" 2016 12 75cl 245.00 Mercurey 1er Cru "Clos des Myglands" 2016 12 75cl 235.00 Nuits-St-Georges 2016 12 75cl 325.00 Nuits-St-Georges "Les Porets Saint Georges" 2016 6 75cl 255.00 Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Cazetiers" 2016 6 75cl 370.00 Gevrey-Chambertin "La Combe Aux Moines" 2016 6 75cl 275.00 Corton "Clos Des Cortons Faiveley" 2016 6 75cl 725.00 Corton "Clos Des Cortons Faiveley" 2016 3 150cl 750.00 Latricieres-Chambertin 2016 6 75cl 795.00 Latricieres-Chambertin 2016 3 150cl 825.00 Charmes-Chambertin 2016 6 75cl 695.00 Mazis-Chambertin 2016 6 75cl 895.00 Clos De Vougeot 2016 6 75cl 695.00 Chambertin Clos De Beze "Les Ouvree Rodin" 2016 3 75cl 1,500.00 Chambertin Clos De Beze 2016 6 75cl 1,150.00 Domaine Anne Gros Richebourg 2016 3 75cl POA Clos Vougeot "Le Grand Maupertui" 2016 3 75cl POA Echezeaux "Les Loachausses" 2016 3 75cl POA Hautes-Cotes de Nuits "Cuvee Marine" 2016 6 75cl POA Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2016 6 75cl POA +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 3
Wine Vintage Case size Bottle size IB Case Offer Price Domaine Dugat-Py - Late Release Bourgogne Halinard 2015 12 75cl 360.00 Bourgogne Halinard 2015 6 75cl 180.00 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2015 12 75cl 720.00 Gevrey-Chambertin "Coeur De Roy" 2015 12 75cl 960.00 Domaine Cathiard Nuits-St-Georges 2016 6 75cl POA Vosne-Romanée 2016 6 75cl POA Chambolle-Musigny "Les Clos de L'Orme" 2016 6 75cl POA Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru "Pruliers" 2016 6 75cl 325.00 Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru "Les St Georges" 2016 6 75cl 595.00 Domaine Ballot-Millot Bourgogne Blanc 2016 12 75cl 165.00 Meursault "Les Narvaux" 2016 6 75cl 215.00 Meursault 1er Cru "Charmes" 2016 6 75cl 320.00 Meursault 1er Cru "Genevrières" 2016 6 75cl 330.00 Meursault 1er Cru "Perrières" 2016 6 75cl 395.00 Domaine Pernot-Belicard Meursault Vieilles Vignes 2016 6 75cl 175.00 Puligny-Montrachet 2016 6 75cl 180.00 Puligny 1er "Champ Canet" 2016 6 75cl 265.00 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Perrières" 2016 6 75cl 275.00 Meursault 1er Cru "Les Perrières" 2016 6 75cl 350.00 Domaine Bruno Lorenzon Mercurey 1er Cru "Champs Martin" (Blanc) 2016 12 75cl 260.00 Mercurey 1er Cru "Pièce 15" (Blanc) 2016 12 75cl 350.00 Mercurey "Le Chapitre" 2016 12 75cl 250.00 Mercurey 1er Cru "Champs Martin" (Rouge) 2016 12 75cl 260.00 Mercurey 1er Cru "Clos Champs Martin Carline" 2016 12 75cl 275.00 Mercurey 1er Cru "Pièce 13" 2016 12 75cl 375.00 Domaine Jerome Billard Bourgogne Aligote 2016 6 75cl 55.00 Saint Romain Combe Bazin (Blanc) 2016 6 75cl 105.00 Auxey-Duresses 2016 6 75cl 105.00 Saint Romain Perriere (Rouge) 2016 6 75cl 105.00 Chassagne Montrachet "Les Morichots" 2016 6 75cl 155.00 Beaune 1er Cru "Les Chouacheux" 2016 6 75cl 135.00 Prices offered IB Critics Scores: Allen Meadows: AM (00/100) / Neal Martin: NM (00/100) / Jancis Robinson: JR(00/20) +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 4
Domaine des Lambrays Thierry Brouin has been in charge here since 1979, along 3 different owners and knows this vineyard like the back of his hand. He knows how to coax the most elegant wine from the different terroirs that make up this walled Clos. The 2016 vintage may be one of his best yet, and sadly his last as he will be replaced by young Boris Champy from this year. This wine is destined to age gracefully and bring real drinking pleasure from early on and throughout its life. Highly recommended! Clos des Lambrays 2016 (93-95) 1050 case/6 2195 case/6 Magnums The 2016 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru includes 85% whole-bunch fruit and is matured in 50% new oak. It was picked around 24 to 29 September. It has a fresh and discrete bouquet at first, the whole bunch influencing the red fruit, infusing scents of autumn leaves and Earl Grey into the mix. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, good grip in the mouth, building with time to a very composed, classically styled, quite persistent and lightly spiced finish whereby the whole bunch is completely subsumed by the fruit. Wonderful. NM Domaine Grivot Etienne described 2016 as a difficult growing season with frost and mildew. Yields were down 30% but the fruit that was harvested was clean with good levels of ripeness, particularly from the vines that fruited after the cold snap. After everything the 2016 s are great quality and comparable with the 2015 vintage. Again, no Chambolle this year Nuits-St-George 1er Cru Aux Boudots 2015 (91-94) 700 case/6 Here the wood treatment isn t subtle though neither is it sufficient to overshadow the wonderfully fresh and layered nose of blue pinot fruit, cassis, earth and broad range of spice elements. The mouthfeel of the broadshouldered flavours is equally seductive and even sleeker but despite the generous mid-palate there is solid muscle and a firm core of tannins supporting the powerful and driving finish. As big as this is, it still manages to remain refined and well-balanced. Lovely stuff but once again, extended patience will be required if you wish to experience this at its peak. AM +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 5
Domaine Tortochot It s clear that quality is on the upswing here and this is a domaine worth following. Moreover, given the extremely reasonable prices the wines typically sell for, they are bargains, a descriptor one rarely hears uttered in the same breath with Côte de Nuits grand cru. Allen Meadows The domaine did not escape damage this year with only 2 vats of Le Chambertin produced. They will only be offering this grand cru to visitors of the domaine unfortunately. The production overall is down but the fruit that was harvested offers good maturity. In addition, good levels of concentration and delicate tannins producing very elegant wines. Chantal is one of a growing breed of viticulteurs in Burgundy. She has made it her primary battle to convert the estate into an organic one and received the official certification from the 2013 vintage. When talking to Chantal you realize just how knowledgeable and passionate she is about her vineyards, the terroir and nature itself. It s very important to respect nature and to respect the vines in particular. This selection of villages wines from the domaine make for very good relatively early drinking. These are classic burgundies, ripe fruit but very refreshing and pleasing. You can t go wrong here. Quantities are limited this year! Morey-St-Denis 2016 (16/20) 280 case/12 Gevrey-Chambertin, Les Jeunes Rois 2016 (89) 300 case/12 Gevrey-Chambertin, Les Corvées 2016 (17+/20) 340 case/12 Similar fungal note to the nose as on their morey, but it is less intrusive thanks to fuller richer fruit that gives flesh and flavour to the palate. Long, expressive finish with lovely violet tones. JR Gevrey-Chambertin Champerrier VV 2016 (88-90) 375 case/12 The 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Champerrier Vieilles Vignes has a crisp, slightly leafy bouquet with dark berry fruit laced with morels and truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, simple but fleshy and well balanced with a little chewiness on the finish. Give this a couple of years in barrel. NM +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 6
Premier Cru Gevrey 1er Cru, Lavaux St Jacques 2016 (88-90) 270 case/6 The 2106 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint Jacques from Tortochot has a simple, rather rustic bouquet that needs a little more cohesion. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly coarse tannin, leafy with simple red berry fruit, but it needs a little more length to come through on the finish. Not bad, though not from the top drawer of this premier cru. NM Gevrey 1er Cru, Les Champeaux 2016 (17++/20) 265 case/6 Deep black fruit on the palate,furry tannins with plenty of heft and substance. Reasonably simple flavours right now, but with definition and concentration that bodies well for maturation. JR Morey 1er Cru, Aux Charmes 2016 280 case/6 Morey 1er Cru, Renaissance 2016 (17+/20) 235 case/6 Clean nose with light cranberry and redcurrant fruit with attractive savoury liquorice notes. The palate has better intensity than expected. Dry fibrous structure. After a gentle start this has quite a lot of promise. JR Grand Cru Clos Vougeot 2016 (18/20) 640 case/6 Excellent spicy power on the nose and layers of fibrous tannins on the palate living a long and expressive finish. It is very much in first gear at present, but has the capacity to open up considerably. JR Charmes-Chambertin 2016 485 case/6 Mazis-Chambertin 2016 (18.5/20) 590 case/6 Outstanding stony aroma on the nose, flinty, sparky, smoky. Full body and rich palate with a long and flavoursome palate that has excellent richness of fruit. Long and spicy on the finish. JR +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 7
Domaine Comte Armand This is the second vintage from Paul Zinetti and despite the damage to the crop he continues to develop and improve on the work of his predecessor. He used a vertical press for the first time resulting in pure wines with very fine tannins. Of the vintage he comments I like the 2016 that has good energy, salinity with drinkability. Paul, who succeeded Benjamin Leroux said they lost 50%-80% of their crop this year including more than 70% of Clos des Epeneaux. They only produced 29 barrels from 2016 as opposed to 70 in 2017. Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux 2016 (93-95) 535 case/6 The 2016 Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux contains 10% whole-bunch fruit. I tasted from two cuvées, one from the young vines and one from the old. The young vines has clean and pure black cherry, red plum and lightly blueberry fruit that conveys a sense of energy. The palate is well balanced with succulent ripe black fruit, very fine tannin, a taut line of acidity but real complexity and tension from start to finish. I love the harmony and effortlessness of these younger vines. The cuvée from older vines demonstrated more black fruit with traces of undergrowth, a little more rondeur with impressive depth and structure on the persistent, marine/oyster shell-tinged finish. This has enormous potential and may challenge the supremacy of the 2015. NM Volnay 1er Cru Frémiets 2016 (87-89 335 case/6 The 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Frémiets is reduced to two barrels this year, a mixture of 70% young vines and 30% of 90-year-old vines, with just 5% whole-bunch fruit. It took a little coaxing from the glass but it eventually reveals perfumed redcurrant, cranberry and pomegranate scents. The palate is just a little coarse at the moment and I feel this does not quite have the harmony of the Auxey- Duresses, somewhat brutish on the finish. Hopefully this will meliorate by the time of bottling. NM Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru 2016 (90-92) 170 case/6 The 2016 Auxey Duresses 1er Cru was reduced to eight barrels this year with one of those new, and the fruit this year including 10% whole bunch. It has a clean and fresh black plum and red cherry-scented bouquet that is nicely defined. I appreciate the purity here, simmering undergrowth scents tucked just underneath the carapace of fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red fruit cranberry and raspberry preserve with a light tang of soy toward the vivacious finish and a pinch of black pepper on the aftertaste. There is not much of it, but what there is, is delightful. NM Here are two basic wines you should not overlook. Both are great examples of these not so simple wines. Auxey-Duresses Villages 2016 125 case/6 Bourgogne Aligote 2016 85 case/6 +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 8
Domaine Faiveley I am really excited about them because I honestly believe that 2016 is a great great vintage that has everything that most people look for in red Burgundy. Erwan Faiveley One of the big players in Burgundy, Domaine Faiveley offer wines from many cepages across the region. Producing just a third of the volume they did in 2015, the vines from 2016 which survived the frosts produced some very good wines. The 2016 s were vinified in their new facility but the élevage continues in their expansive old cellars. All this contributes to a more modern and approachable style with elegance and finesse. The family own around 120ha, spread across the Côtes de Nuits, Beaune and Chalonnais. Their holdings supply the grapes for 5 out of every 6 bottles made by Faiveley, the balance being bought in from carefully selected contract growers. Mercurey La Framboisière" 2016 (89) 198 case/12 A moderately high-toned nose reflects notes of raspberry, cherry, violet and soft earth wisps. The mouthfeel of the middle weight flavours is at once vibrant and succulent while delivering fine depth and length for a Mercurey villages. Recommended. AM Premier Cru Mercurey 1er Cru Clos du Roy" 2016 (90-92) 245 case/12 A pungent nose consists of wood and reductive aromas. Otherwise there is good freshness and verve to the dense and serious medium weight flavours that flash outstanding minerality on the moderately rustic and built-to-age finish. This is very good though note that it will need at least some patience. AM Mercurey 1er Cru Clos des Myglands 2016 (89-91) 235 case/6 A discreet application of wood sets off the pretty array of plum, earth and red and dark currant scents. There is a bit more volume to the medium-bodied flavours that possess a velvety mid-palate while delivering better persistence on the ever-so-slightly rustic finish. This too is quite good. AM Nuits St Georges Les Porets Saint Georges 2016 (91-93) 255 case/6 The 2016 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Saints-Georges "Cuvée G Faiveley" has an expressive bouquet just like Les Didiers, offering red cherries, wild strawberry and raspberry fruit laced with sous bois and a touch of tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe red fruit, fine mineralité and a sensual, silky smooth finish that lingers in the mouth. This is a beautifully crafted wine that should give 15 to 20 years of pleasure. NM +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 9
Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers 2016 (92-94) 370 case/6 Reduction and wood currently overshadow the underlying fruit. There is first-rate intensity and power to the concentrated broad-shouldered flavours that possess a velvet-textured mid-palate while delivering outstanding length on the balanced and only mildly rustic finale. If this can add even more depth it could very well merit the upper end of my predicted range. In sum, this is a classic example and as such, it s very much destined for a long snooze in a cold cellar. AM Gevrey-Chambertin La Combe Aux Moines 2016 (91-94) 275 case/6 Discreet wood easily allows the overtly sauvage and earth-infused aromas of dark berries and humus to shine. The intense, muscular and powerful big-bodied flavours possess good minerality that really comes up on the austere and sneaky long finale. AM Grand Cru Corton Clos Des Cortons Faiveley 2016 (92-95) 725 case/6 Touches of wood and menthol can be found on the brooding and inexpressive nose of plum, dark cherry liqueur, freshly turned earth and a gamy note. There is an appealing sense of underlying tension to the concentrated big-bodied flavours that also coat the palate with dry extract while exhibiting excellent length on the balanced and very firmly structured finale. Patience strongly advised. AM Charmes-Chambertin 2016 (92-94) 695 case/6 Much more subtle though by no means invisible oak sets off beautifully layered aromas of plum, spice, earth and a whiff of underbrush character. There is terrific richness and density to the velvet-textured and voluminous flavors that possess a real sense of mid-palate density thanks to the abundant level of dry extract that also buffers the moderately firm tannic spine. This is at once a relatively elegant version of the appellation yet it is also altogether serious. AM Latricieres-Chambertin 2016 (93-95) 795 case/6 Here too the wood treatment is subtle yet just prominent enough to warrant pointing out on the cool, pure and notably more sauvage nose of both red and dark wild berry and earth scents. There is a really lovely sense of underlying tension suffusing the much more mineral-driven middle weight flavours that are not quite as rich but notably more precise on the chiseled and wonderfully refined finish. AM Mazis-Chambertin 2016 (92-95) 895 case/6 A pungent nose of wood and reduction renders the nose impossible to evaluate fairly. Otherwise there is a super-sleek and intense palate impression to the imposingly-scaled flavours that possess more size and weight if slightly less minerality than those of the Latricières while flashing excellent length on the moderately austere finish. AM +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 10
Clos Vougeot 2016 (92-95) 695 case/6 Here too the wood treatment isn t subtle though it doesn t completely mask the mostly red berry fruit, earth and humus aromas. Once again there is both good volume and mid-palate density to the mouth coating big-bodied flavours that flash a mild touch of rusticity on the impressively long finale. Interestingly, this is a bit less youthfully austere than it usually is and overall, colour me impressed. AM Chambertin Clos De Beze 2016 (93-96) 1150 case/6 This is softly oaky with a wonderfully spicy array of black cherry, pungent earth and evident sauvage nuances that can be found on the impressively rich and seductively textured broad-shouldered and concentrated flavours that coat the palate with extract, all wrapped in a balanced, long and deep finish. I very much like the way this fans out on the strikingly persistent finish. Note that plenty of patience is a requisite here and it would be largely pointless to open a bottle before its 10th anniversary. AM Chambertin Clos De Beze, Les Ouvree Rodin 2016 (94-97) 1500 case/3 This is aromatically similar to the regular cuvée save for being even spicier and displaying a bit more wood influence. There is almost painful intensity to the super-sleek big-bodied flavours that possess a positively gorgeous mouthfeel due to a mid-palate that brims with sappy dry extract that coats the mouth on the hugely long and impeccably well-balanced finale. While this may change given that these are barrel samples but based on the two that I tasted, this is actually slightly less structured though I emphasize slightly. Either way, this is a seriously impressive effort that should age effortlessly. AM +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 11
Domaine Anne Gros Anne s wines are some of the most sought after in Burgundy. Her meticulous attention to detail and precision shows through her beautifully crafted wines. Like many devastated by the frost she has an even smaller volume of wines to release this year. She noted that while the wines were not as ripe as in 2015 but the quality is at the same level and is very optimistic for the vintage. Unfortunately the Chambolle was completely wiped out and she has decided to make some house rose for herself with what she managed to gather. We will be welcoming her in London on February 8 th for a fabulous dinner, so do get in touch if interested! Allocations for these wines will only be finalized in February. Richebourg 2016 (94-96) POA case/3 The 2016 Richebourg Grand Cru, whose vines were less hit by frost than the Echézeaux or the Clos de Vougeot, boasts a magnificent bouquet with beautifully defined red berry fruit, cold limestone and pressed flowers. There is a sense of harmony and flow to this wine that sweeps you off your feet. The palate is very tensile right from the start. Maybe this is a more linear Richebourg to others at the moment and yet the intensity is completely locked into this wine. There are darker fruits than the bouquet suggests: blackberry, raspberry, redcurrant and a conspicuous pepperiness, almost feral on the finish that really imbues this wine with personality. Superb. NM Clos Vougeot Le Grand Maupertui 2016 (92-94) POA case/3 The 2016 Clos Vougeot le Grand Maupertui comes from vines located adjacent to Grands Echézeaux. It has a very detailed bouquet: more black fruit here than red, cold slate-like scents, very well focused and yet tightly wound. The palate is medium-bodied with quite robust tannin at the moment. This is a more masculine, almost saturnine Clos Vougeot that insistently grips the mouth, the mineral element only appearing toward the finish. It will require five or six years in bottle but it will be worth the wait. NM Echezeaux Les Loächausses 2016 (92-94) POA case/3 The 2016 Echezeaux Grand Cru has a clean and pure bouquet, a little stoniness at first then blackberry, hints of cassis and blueberry, quite perfumed and floral. Maybe this is more linear than its peers? The palate is medium-bodied with a pleasing succulence on the entry, a keen thread of acidity that binds together a satisfyingly edgy finish. As usual, Anne s Echézeaux is full of tension but it will deserve several years in bottle. NM Hautes-Cotes de Nuits, Cuvee Marine 2016 (88) POA case/6 The 2016 Hautes Cotes de Nuits Cuvee Marine Blanc has a slightly resinous, pressed white flower-scented bouquet that just needs to convey a little more nascent energy. That actually comes through more on the palate, which has fine tension, a keen line of acidity that cuts through the grapefruit and lime notes, and a finish displaying generosity and decent weight for its class. NM +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 12
Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2016 (86-89) POA case/6 Here the equally ripe and fresh nose is a bit more deeply pitched with its aromas of cassis, plum and soft spice hints. The attractively textured middle weight flavors possess solid punch that carries over to the lingering if ever-so-slightly rustic and firmer finish. This too is really quite good for its level and worth considering. AM Domaine Dugat-Py The Dugat-Py team almost never misses If you like old school wines that are built-to-age, these are for you. Burghound The Dugat family have been making wine here since the beginning of the 17 th Century. Bernard and son Loic are now the 12 th and 13 th generation using all their family knowledge and experience acquired over 4 centuries of winemaking. These wines are made for longer cellaring but are well worth the wait. Hard to find wines that punch well above their village appellation. Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2015 (89) 720 case/12 A Ripe notes of earth and violets add breath to the cassis and plum aromas that are trimmed in a touch of menthol. There is excellent volume to the very rich and round middle weight plus flavours that possess a velvety mouthfeel on the focused and impressively long if slightly rustic and youthfully austere finish. AM Gevrey-Chambertin Coeur De Roy 2015 (91) 960 case/12 A distinctly reserved though equally ripe nose speaks of cassis, poached plum and plenty of earth. I very much like the lovely sense of vibrancy and punch to the delicious but quite serious middle weight flavours that brim with dry extract on the sappy and mineral-driven finish. The old vines are very much in evidence and despite this being quite firmly structured, it s not so firm that it couldn t be enjoyed after 5-ish years or so. This is not a refined Gevrey villages but it is certainly a wine of high quality. AM We also have a few cases of the Bourgogne Halinard Pinot Noir. Bourgogne Halinard 2015 360 case/12 180 case/6 +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 13
Domaine Cathiard Sébastien was somewhat unscathed compared to his neighbours in Chambolle-Musigny in 2016. The worst area was Nuit Saint Georges where only one barrel was produced. He had more of a problem dealing with mildew which lost him another 30%. When it came to harvest the fruit from the frosted vines had caught up and ripeness levels were fairly consistent. The vintage offers a classic style more approachable than 2015. Slightly richer and a bit more towards black fruit with purity that is unmistakably a trademark from this collectable winemaker. Vosne-Romanée 2016 (89-91) POA case/6 One-third of the 2016 Vosne-Romanée Village was lost to mildew this year and what survived is raised in 50% new oak. It has a very pure and suave bouquet: precise red berry fruit, sous-bois and cold slate-like aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with strict tannin, clean and fresh with a gorgeous blood orange note that enlivens the tensile red cherry and strawberry fruit on the finish. There is impressive substance to this village cru. NM Nuits-St-Georges 2016 POA case/6 Like many in the area, vines were devastated by frost. The wine is big and bit backward. Still a classic, glossy wine from Cathiard. Will benefit from cellaring for a few years. Chambolle-Musigny Les Clos de l Orme 2016 (88-91) POA case/6 A ripe yet attractively fresh nose offers up both red and black raspberry along with hints of lavender and sandalwood. The mouthfeel of the medium-bodied flavors is polished and lightly mineral-inflected that concludes in a dusty and mildly austere finish. This is more evidently structured than the straight Vosne and is going to require at least some patience. AM +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 14
Domaine Henri Gouges the quality of the Gouges 2016s, no matter how painful the growing season was, is excellent. Allen Meadows Located in the heart of the Cote d Or in the village of Nuits Saint Georges the domaine has 36 acres of vineyards. Now run by Gregory and Antoine Gouges who retain the traditions of winemaking with respect for the terroir and controlling yields for optimum results. Nuits 1er Pruliers 2016 (92-94) 325 case/6 The 2016 Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru les Pruliers, aged in 20% new oak like Gouges other premier crus, has more red fruit on the nose than the Clos des Porrets, a little ferrous in style with subtle damp earthy aromas developing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin that feels a little chalkier and sharper at the moment. This is replete with wonderful freshness and tension toward the finish that is tensile and linear, captivating from start to finish. Superb. NM Nuits 1er Les St Georges 2016 (92-94) 595 case/6 A spicy and more elegant array is equally restrained with its notes of spice, ripe essence of plum and plenty of warm earth characters. The rich, succulent and mineral-driven medium weight flavors possess excellent volume and mid-palate concentration before terminating in a dry extract and mineral-suffused finish. This is classy and refined yet with plenty of muscle and firm structure. AM +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 15
Domaine Ballot-Millot Still on the top of his game Charles has continued to make fabulous wines in a vintage most will favour the reds. Again he highlights the minerality and stoniness of the wines and focuses on their drive and energy. Lovely wines and a fascinating follow on from his last two vintages. This is always one of our favourite domains for white burgundy and always sells out. Bourgogne Blanc 165 case/12 Lovely citrus notes come through with an underlying minerality. Plenty of vitality and tension when young, worth holding for at least a year before drinking. Meursault Les Narvaux 215 case/6 Such an elegant wine with great balance and tension. Lovely stony and chalky character, good acidity and weight of fruit from one of Meursault s top vineyards. Meursault 1er Cru Charmes 320 case/6 A bright wine with good weight of fruit over the middle of the palate. Good depth with layers and definition on a fleshy finish. Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrières 330 case/6 Named after the juniper bushes that grew here this delicate and floral wine offers hints of spics and tropical fruit all of which are lifted with great acidity. A very well-balanced wine indeed. Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières 395 case/6 Vines grow on stony soil which gives this impressive wine its pronounced mineral quality. Bursting with vitality, the finish is long with an elegance and purity that leaves your pallet wanting more. Simply stunning. +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 16
Domaine Pernot-Belicard More fortunate than several of his neighbours Philippe Pernot lost 10-20% of his crop in 2016. He has many plots in almost every cuvée, some of which were wiped out completely. After the success of the 2015 s this year s wines offer purity and vitality true to their origin. Meursault Vieilles Vignes 175 case/6 I slightly lighter wine this year as the parcel was badly hit by frost. This year most of the fruit comes from the plot close to Puligny. A lovely richness of fruit on the back palate. Puligny-Montrachet 180 case/6 This is a very attractive Puligny, fresh with delicate fruit and hints of flowers and stone. Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Champs Canet 265 case/6 An opulent and sumptuous attack on the palate moves through to a lean and concise finish. Lovely soft chalky undertones round off a well-balanced wine. Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Perrières 275 case/6 Stone and limestone characteristics feature in the terroir of this vineyard, each bringing something different to the wine. Weight and texture balanced with energy and minerality, a real treat. Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrières 350 case/6 Untouched by the frost the wine is quite rich and broad. Will need some cellaring but ultimately rewarding. +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 17
Domaine Lorenzon Lorenzon produces the best wines in the Chalonnaise. Whose opinion is that? Lorenzon was voted as Burgundy wine maker of the year 2013. There are over 2000 winemakers in all of Burgundy. A remarkable achievement for a winemaker from Mercurey. If you taste his wines you will understand. ('Bourgogne Aujourd Hui') Bruno Lorenzon is obsessed. He is obsessed with every little aspect of making excellent wine and will not compromise on any of it. He is obsessed with the planting density (sometimes going up to 20,000 vines per ha, when others rarely reach 10,000 and sometime half of that). He is obsessed with taking care of each vine individually, and could probably name each of his cherished vines. He has a state of the art cellar in perfectly clean condition, pumping argon into his tanks in order to not get too much oxygen dissolved in the tanks (and thus preventing premox), cleaning every tank tap after every use, and making sure the temperature of each one doesn t vary by more than 0.1C from its desired set number. He chooses every tree to make different barrels for each wine each vintage, and ages the wood himself. The corks he uses are usually seen on first growth Bordeaux or the best grands crus of burgundy. And he adds wax to close off each bottle top. The man is intense and driven. If he was a professional cyclist he would not only want to win the Tour de France, but he would make sure he won every single stage of it. The wines he makes are stunning and if tasted blind you would never place them in the less fashionable village of Mercurey. The young Bruno Lorenzon exploits 6 ha in this impeccably run domaine. The wines are serious yet stylish and Lorenzon is slowly making a reputation for consistently creating quality wines. Allen Meadows +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 18
We didn t just stumble onto this domaine. It is highly regarded by the cognoscenti of burgundy and Bruno is regarded by many colleagues as a very influential winemaker. His wines are found at the top Michelin restaurants, in the best ones of burgundy, and he counts many well-known winemakers as friends. He wants to bring up the reputation of Mercurey and if he has to do it single-handedly, then he will. Were these wines to come from plots further north, then you would be paying multiples of the price he asks. He won t be expanding the domaine, so his 6ha yields only a little wine for the world which snaps it up. Whites 2016 is an incredible good vintage for the Cote Chalonnaise. Bruno has maybe made his best wines ever and they are once again incredible. We ve brought a few friends to his domaine, and everyone seems to agree that these are wines to be bought and drunk. And they are very affordable. Mercurey 1er Cru Champs Martin 2016 260 case/12 This white wine is intense but refreshing. And so long. Mercurey 1er Cru Piece 15 2016 350 case/12 Picked from different plots including some very high density plantings, this wine is rich with incredible length, but still has a dry finish leaving you smacking your lips. The Reds We ve had only very positive feedback from clients that bought his wines last year. If everyone takes up their allocation there won t be much left. We recommend you snap some up before it gets impossible to get. You will be asking for this year after year. Mercurey Le Chapitre 2016 250 case/12 Mercurey 1er Cru Champs Martin 2016 260 case/12 A very pure expression of Pinot Noir, from whole bunches like the rest of the range. Leaves you wanting more. Mercurey 1er Cru Carline Clos Champs Martin 2016 275 case/12 The wine marries intensity and finesse on top of the moreishness of the normal cuvee. Not to be missed. Piece 13 2016 375 case/12 This cuvée represent the culmination of the work of Bruno Lorenzon. It is the wine he is most proud of with a selection from different plots, including some very high density plantings of 20,000 per ha. Amazing length! +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 19
Domaine Billard, Pere et Fils Continuing to impress the affable Jerome Billard has made excellent wines again this year. Less affected by the harsh weather in the spring Jerome has once again produced wines that reflect not only the terroir but his convivial nature. Combining tradition and innovation, Jerome continually strives for quality and whether it is in the vineyard or the cellar he wants the production of his wines to truly express the terroir from which they are grown. The wines are very approachable young and are not meant to be pretentious. These are wines you can open confidently without breaking the bank. This is your weekday burgundy with great results! The whites Bourgogne Aligote 2016 55 case/6 A vibrant nose features mostly citrus notes with green apple. Delectable and incisive flavours that conclude in a dry and clean if not especially complex finish. Saint Romain La Combe Bazin 2016 105 case/6 An attractively fresh nose of melon and citrus that slide into unusually generous and rich flavours and good mid-palate concentration. Terrific for its level and would make a fine choice for an inexpensive all-around house white. The reds Auxey-Duresses 2016 105 case/6 Another super wine produced this year. Textured and smooth on the palate with medium-bodied flavours that delivers an impressive and long finish. Saint Romain La Perriere 2016 105 case/6 Their aromas revealing gooseberry, blackcurrant bud which later evolves to a green smoke and macerated fruit. The Pinot Noir gives a rather masculine wine Chassagne-Montrachet Les Morichots 2016 155 case/6 Aromas of red cherries, apples and wild strawberries, medium-bodied, it has a grainy texture with a tight structure and fine tannins, finishing with bitter cherry and succulent red fruit flavours. Les Morichots lies south of Chassagne- Montrachet, the vines average 56 years old grow on limestone marl soils. Beaune 1er Cru Les Chouacheux 2016 135 case/6 A freshness on the nose offers up airy and notably floral aromas of pomegranate and red cherry. There is both good volume and intensity to the sleek and tautly muscular flavours that possess a more sophisticated mouth feel despite the presence of firmer tannins on the balanced and persistent finish. +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 20
All prices are offered En-Primeur and will be delivered In Bond. We hope you enjoy reading through our offer. For orders and requests please contact the team at Asset Wines. Email: gilles@assetwines.com tom@assetwines.com marine@assetwines.com Phone: + 44 (0) 207 839 5652 8 Royal Opera Arcade, London SW1Y 4UY +44 (0) 207 839 5652 Page 21